A one-of-a-kind contemporary fused-glass whale-tail sculpture, created as a statement piece and mounted on a specially selected solid granite base.
Pale, luminous aqua glass gives Ocean Guardian a quiet yet commanding presence. A flowing relief pattern travels across the full span of the tail, following its curves in a composition of spirals, sweeping lines and smaller geometric forms.
Rather than being applied only to the surface, the design has been formed into the glass, allowing light to gather along its raised edges and recessed lines. Its appearance changes throughout the day: softly defined against a pale background and increasingly vivid when illuminated by natural light. Ocean Guardian also looks particularly striking against a dark background, where the translucent glass, sculptural outline and raised details stand out with greater clarity and presence.
The generous sweep of the tail and substantial stone base give this piece a strong sculptural presence. It can stand alone as a focal point on a console, wide shelf, mantelpiece or within a carefully lit interior.
Ocean Guardian belongs to both the Whale Tales and Signature Collections. The whale-tail form and pale-aqua colour may be explored again, but this precise composition, glass movement and individually selected base will not be repeated.
This listing is for the exact sculpture shown in the photographs. Only one is available.
THE STORY BEHIND OCEAN GUARDIAN
The Whale Tales Collection grew from my return to New Zealand and the enduring pull of the sea. The form holds memories of the waters surrounding Aotearoa, a friend’s delight at seeing a whale for the first time, and the sense of connection embodied in a piece of pounamu given to me by glass colleagues who had become whānau.
The flowing decoration draws on my own responses to pattern, movement and carved form. Each composition is developed individually to follow the shape of the tail, so the markings change from one whale to the next rather than being mechanically repeated.
Ocean Guardian develops these ideas on a larger scale. Its wide, rising form and expansive pattern suggest strength, protection and the quiet presence of a whale moving beneath open water.
It is not intended as a literal representation. It is a sculptural response to whales, changing water, remembered coastlines and the enduring feeling of being at home near the sea.
THE SIGNATURE COLLECTION
The Signature Collection brings together distinctive, one-of-a-kind works that sit at the heart of my studio practice. These pieces are more complex in scale, construction or development and are created as individual works of glass art rather than repeated production pieces.
Every element is considered as part of the complete sculpture. For Ocean Guardian, the pale granite base was individually sourced and selected to complement the cool aqua glass, subtle surface pattern and quiet character of the finished piece.
DIMENSIONS AND DISPLAY
Approximate overall dimensions, including the granite base:
33 cm wide × 21 cm high × 10 cm deep
The kiln-formed glass tail is held securely in a polished chrome fitting mounted into a substantial solid granite base.
Display indoors on a firm, level surface. Positioning the sculpture near natural light will reveal the translucency of the aqua glass and bring greater definition to the relief pattern. Ocean Guardian also looks particularly striking against a dark background, where the translucent glass, sculptural outline and raised details stand out with greater clarity and presence.
As this piece is individually handmade, small bubbles, subtle changes in colour and natural variations within the glass are part of its character and are not faults.
Always lift and move the sculpture by supporting the granite base. Do not carry it by the glass tail.
Designed and handmade by Jan Simpson in her West Sussex studio.
This listing is for the exact Ocean Guardian sculpture shown in the photographs. Only one is available.

Ocean Guardian — Large Aqua Glass Whale Tail Sculpture on Granite

£280.00

Quantity

Each piece is individually handmade. Minor variations in colour, pattern, dimensions, texture and small bubbles or marks created during the glassmaking process are part of its individual character and are not faults.

Where a listing is for a one-of-a-kind piece, the customer will receive the exact item shown. Please be aware that transparent glass can appear different depending on the surrounding light, background and individual screen settings.
• For indoor decorative use only.

• Place the piece on a stable, level surface away from the edge of shelves, mantelpieces and windowsills.

• Always lift and move it by supporting the glass base. Do not lift it by the sail or chrome fitting.

• Clean gently using a soft duster or dry microfibre cloth.

• If necessary, apply a small amount of glass-cleaning polish to the cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the piece.

• Avoid saturating the chrome fitting, adhesive or bonded areas.

• Do not place in a dishwasher.

• Do not immerse or soak the piece or its handmade base in water.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or harsh chemicals.

• Protect the glass from knocks, falls, direct heat and sudden temperature changes.

• This is a fragile decorative glass object and is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of young children and pets, taking particular care with detachable components and chrome fittings
I hope you will be delighted with your glass. If you change your mind about a ready-made piece purchased online, please contact me through the website within 14 days of receiving your order.

The item must then be returned within a further 14 days, undamaged and in its original condition.

For change-of-mind returns, the buyer is responsible for all return postage costs and for packaging the glass securely. Please reuse the original packaging wherever possible. A tracked and appropriately insured delivery service is strongly recommended, as the buyer remains responsible for the item until it is safely received.

Once the returned piece has been received and inspected, the purchase price and original standard delivery charge will be refunded using the original payment method. Any additional amount paid for express or enhanced delivery will not be refunded.

I reserve the right to make an appropriate deduction if the item has been handled beyond what is reasonably necessary to examine it, or if its value has been reduced through damage, use or inadequate return packaging.

PERSONALISED AND CUSTOM-MADE PIECES

Pieces personalised or made to an individual customer’s specification cannot be cancelled or returned because of a change of mind.

This does not affect your statutory rights if an item is faulty, damaged on arrival or not as described.

FAULTS AND TRANSIT DAMAGE

Every order is carefully inspected and securely packed before dispatch.

If your order arrives damaged, faulty or incorrect, please contact me as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours, and retain the item and all packaging. Photographs of the glass, internal packaging and outer box will help me resolve transit damage quickly.

Please do not return a damaged or faulty item before contacting me. If a return is required because the item is faulty, damaged on arrival or not as described, I will cover reasonable return postage costs and provide the appropriate repair, replacement or refund in accordance with your statutory rights.

The request to report transit damage promptly helps with courier claims and does not affect your statutory rights.

Ocean Guardian — Large Aqua Glass Whale Tail Sculpture on Granite

HANDMADE CHARACTER

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

RETURNS AND CANCELLATIONS